It was a bittersweet moment for Salome Ranadi the mother of Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s robust forward, Elia Canakaivata when she watched her son scoring a try in the Rugby World Cup 7s final yesterday.
Ranadi lost her husband and son last December in a fatal road accident and believes that Canakaivata had mixed emotions after putting in an outstanding performance.
The mother of five says Canakaivata has always wanted to play for Fiji, even to the point where he sacrificed his studies just to play some games for the Tailevu North College rugby team.
Ranadi and her family watched their son yesterday morning at their village in Navunisole, Tailevu and say they are making plans for a big celebration for their hero.
In an earlier interview, Canakaivata had hoped that his late father and brother witnessed his achievement to wear the white jersey and make his debut in the World Sevens Series.
Canakaivata is from Navunisole, Namalata, Tailevu and has maternal links to Sawa Village in Verata.
The 26-year-old attended Korovou Primary School and Tailevu North College before completing his secondary education at Saint Vincent College.
He played for Northland and Suva in the local competition and the Saunaka and Army 7s teams.
He joined the Fiji Navy in 2020. Meanwhile, the national sevens side is expected to arrive at the Nadi International Airport tomorrow.
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